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186k takes over 200 Tiscali UK VISPS

'Transferred ownership'

Tiscali UK has offloaded around 200 virtual ISPs (VISPs) to Leeds-based internet outfit 186k. Financial details concerning the arrangement have not been disclosed.

In an email the VISPs were told: "Tiscali has transferred your VISP agreement to 186k who will take over the management of this agreement with immediate effect.

"This exciting deal will mean that 186k will be better able to meet your business needs and offer new opportunities to increase the value add of your services.

"186k will continue to use Tiscali, and therefore you will carry on to enjoy the security and resilience of Tiscali's premier network."

Tiscali is making it clear that the transferral of customers represents a tiny fraction of its user base.

Nathan Francis, head of Tiscali UK's B2B business, told us: "We have transferred ownership of a small number of VISPs representing less than 0.8 per cent of our B2B business."

In a statement 186k told us: "186k has acquired approximately 1 per cent of the Tiscali UK dial access services, comprising 200 VISPs. We will continue to run the service through the Tiscali network to continue service stability whilst leveraging additional opportunity for the VISPs and their customers through value added services, support and management."

186k is an acquisitive ISP that appears keen to expand its business. Earlier this month it snapped up Northern-based Elite Internet Services and released details of a recruitment drive once a new £10m data centre is built in Leeds. Last year it acquired a major stake in Middlesborough-based Onyx Internet. ®